The U.S. Department of State says it has dismantled multiple birth tourism operations across Africa and Europe, revoking hundreds of visas and targeting networks accused of exploiting the U.S. immigration system to secure citizenship for children born in the United States.
The action is part of efforts by the U.S. to tighten visa scrutiny worldwide and limit visa-processing operations at a number of embassies and consulates, as recently announced.
“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” said the U.S. Department of State, adding that no foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.
In West Africa, a U.S. embassy uncovered what the State Department called a sophisticated birth-tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals.
Investigators found the group used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain visas.
The State Department said the operation was shut down, visas were revoked, and work is underway with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar schemes.
In Europe, a US embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.
Investigators linked the cases to at least six companies that allegedly coached applicants for visa interviews, arranged accommodation in the U.S., and organised delivery plans.
The State Department said visas were revoked and several individuals involved in the fraud were permanently barred from entering the United States.
In North Africa, a US embassy revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.
The State Department said that consular officers, working alongside law enforcement and using data analytics, identified several networks and dismantled their operations.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” said the U.S. Department of State.